Advice on Lighting, co2

[dslam]

tank dimensions are roughly 48" x20 x18
I just received a 45 gallon tank, and I'm in the process of pricing out some equipment to get it running as a planted tank.
Please offer some advice on these 2 subjects:

2x65w CF coralife aqualight OR 4x65w CF coralife aqualight double

so that is 130w CF or 260w CF. Is the latter overkill?

I am ordering a co2 regulator (w/ bub counter, needle valve, solenoid)
should I go Milwaukee, JBJ, Red Sea, Aqua Medic?

Right now Milwaukee seems to be the best price (sub $100 including solenoid)

Will the old DIY powerhead + gravel vac/bioball reactor handle this well?

Keep in mind that this is a shallow tank, so I am hoping we can get away with the reasonably priced 130w, rather than double the price for the 260w. If however the 260w is going to dramatically improve the final result, I suppose it is worth it.

[fresh_newby]

tank dimensions are roughly 48" x20 x18
I just received a 45 gallon tank, and I'm in the process of pricing out some equipment to get it running as a planted tank.
Please offer some advice on these 2 subjects:

2x65w CF coralife aqualight OR 4x65w CF coralife aqualight double

so that is 130w CF or 260w CF. Is the latter overkill?

I am ordering a co2 regulator (w/ bub counter, needle valve, solenoid)
should I go Milwaukee, JBJ, Red Sea, Aqua Medic?

Right now Milwaukee seems to be the best price (sub $100 including solenoid)

Will the old DIY powerhead + gravel vac/bioball reactor handle this well?

Keep in mind that this is a shallow tank, so I am hoping we can get away with the reasonably priced 130w, rather than double the price for the 260w. If however the 260w is going to dramatically improve the final result, I suppose it is worth it.
You can likely get away with getting the 2x 65w. You will pretty much be able to grow anything, especially due to the shallow nature of the tank.
The Milwaukee is a good value and works fine, so I would go with the all-in-one.
I would use either a glass diffusor <about 30 bucks> or shoot for a reactor. If you go for the Aquamedic 1000, it is about 100 bucks, or you can get a rex-style from Rex's site www.rexgrigg.com. He also builds nice all-in-ones like the Milwaukee, but uses bress parts....nice stuff.
I think the powerhead would lose a lot, JMHO
You can try your DIY method, of course, and see what kind of results you get....and if you see algae problems which would be an indication that you aren't getting enough in the water column. Observe after your set upm and get your ferts going and see how things go. You can tweak once you get some idea how things are.

[Mgamer20o0]

You can likely get away with getting the 2x 65w. You will pretty much be able to grow anything, especially due to the shallow nature of the tank.
The Milwaukee is a good value and works fine, so I would go with the all-in-one.
I would use either a glass diffusor <about 30 bucks> or shoot for a reactor. If you go for the Aquamedic 1000, it is about 100 bucks, or you can get a rex-style from Rex's site www.rexgrigg.com. He also builds nice all-in-ones like the Milwaukee, but uses bress parts....nice stuff.
I think the powerhead would lose a lot, JMHO
You can try your DIY method, of course, and see what kind of results you get....and if you see algae problems which would be an indication that you aren't getting enough in the water column. Observe after your set upm and get your ferts going and see how things go. You can tweak once you get some idea how things are.

agreed

[GirlieGirl8521]

The tank dimensions sound like its a 75g. I'd go with the 260w fixture if you are going to have pressurized CO2. Might as well have more light. You'll have more plant options with that light IMO.

[Mgamer20o0]

The tank dimensions sound like its a 75g. I'd go with the 260w fixture if you are going to have pressurized CO2. Might as well have more light. You'll have more plant options with that light IMO.

your right. didnt even look at the numbers. i ran them though and the dimensions they gave is for a 75 gal.

[dslam]

should have been 48x20x13, for 45 gal. sorry.
thanks for your advice, i will likely go with the 260w. A JBJ is $150 from http://www.aquariumplants.com/